Artist Interview: Matt Saxton

Tell us about yourself and your music

I am a folk/rock singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist living in East Sussex UK.
I grew up in South London’s Biggin Hill where everyone’s Dad was either a builder or a policeman (or both). A hot spot for “swingers”, my parents divorced and my brother end up in prison. Happy days!

My songs are therefor often reflective, looking back to my family’s past as well as finding inspiration for songs from books.

Music has always been central in my life. Classically trained on the clarinet and piano I also taught myself drums and guitar. Although my parent’s record collection was very small, each album was a gem from CSN&Y, Leonard Cohen to Mozart; My Grandfather was a professional musician playing double bass in the BBC Orchestra and Trad Jazz bands around London. He used to help me learn the tricky pieces on the clarinet when we visited him each Sunday.

In 2015 Google featured my acoustic guitar song “Seabird” on their homepage. It has brought fans and downloads for my music from across the world.

In 2016 I released a single called “Greeneland” about my favourite author Graham Greene.

I have recorded a new album with the Animal Farm Record label which will be released in 2017.
The single “Where Are You Single” from the album will be released in early 2017.

Talk to us more about your latest release

My song “Where Are You Now” is my latest release.

https://soundcloud.com/mattsaxton/where-are-you-now

With a nod to Bowie, Talking Heads and The Four Brothers it has been described by Wolf in Suit’s blog as:

“A bit trippy, a bit old school, and a nice blend of melodies that intertwine the tunes from the past and the present in an interesting flavor of indie rock. Matt Saxtonencompasses a range of rock melodies that flow beautifully and psychedelically while strangely staying grounded and inviting. “Where are you Now” is a playful track that goes hand in hand with the music video that represents it. 2017 is starting with the right foot forward for this talented singer/songwriter from the UK as he delivers a soundscape that is both unique and refreshing to hear. With this track he marks the beginning of the flow of singles he shall deliver that will turn into an album in the future. For now simply listen, enjoy and let it transport you to his world.“

What inspired you to write this release?

I had made up the main African guitar riff and drum rhythm years back but struggled to find the right words fit it. That was until I starting thinking about a destructive relationship I had once had with an ex-girlfriend. There was of course a lot of sex and drugs but it all ended in tears on a flight back from New York. Many years have now passed and I have not seen her since so hence the phrase “where are you now’? Looking back now I can see clearly how utterly mentally unstable I was during that time. I was the “nut”!

Any plans to release a video?

Yes!

Here is the song’s video Directed by Jake Parker

Any plans to hit the road?

Yes I will promote the single and album with live shows. I am currently negotiating a support slot with a named act in the UK.

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

This is the hardest part especially without any major label support!
You just have to be yourself and hope you connect especially as a mature indie singer songwriter.
I write honest and heart felt music for myself. When other people like it and buy it that is amazing but I would not change the style of songs or my image/” brand” to fit an audience.